Arkel Seatpacker

90/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Bag Type
Brand
Capacity
9, 15 Liters
Water Resistance Level
Weight
1.41, 1.59 lb
Material
X-Pac RX30, X-Pac X11

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Arkel Seatpacker. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

7 reasons to buy

  • Experts say the Seatpacker is durable, with one using it for four years.
  • Installing the aluminum hanger is straightforward, and the bag can quickly be mounted and removed.
  • Testers indicate the hanger successfully eliminates side-to-side sway.
  • All experts say the bag remains secure over rough, technical terrain.
  • Testing in heavy rain confirms the bag is waterproof.
  • The Seatpacker is compatible with carbon and dropper seatposts.
  • Arkel provides a lifetime warranty for the Seatpacker.

3 reasons not to buy

  • This bag isn't compatible with carbon seat rails, and an adapter is required for rails wider than 3.5” (89mm), such as Brooks B17. At the time of writing, this adapter isn't available in the US due to tariffs.
  • The combined weight of the bag and hanger makes the Seatpacker heavy.
  • The Seatpacker is expensive for a saddle bag.

Bottom line

Arkel's Seatpacker is a saddle bag available in 9L and 15L versions. Its construction quality, ease of use, and stability on rough terrain make it a favorite among testers who say it effectively eliminates tail wag. The Seatpacker comes in two fabrics that keep out heavy rain, but X-Pac RX30 is more abrasion-resistant. Frame size and seat height may affect compatibility. The bag is compatible with carbon and dropper posts, but not carbon rails. Overall, experts consider the robust but heavy Arkel Seatpacker a solid investment.

Expert Reviews

86/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews
90
Section Hiker

Arkel Seatpacker 15L Bikepacking Seat Bag Review

I think the Arkel Seatpacker 15L is a keeper, although I think the seat bag itself is rather overbuilt and could really be made with lighter-weight material.

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85
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Singletrack

Arkel Seatpacker 15 Lonnng Term Review

… if [you’re] looking for a quality bit of luggage [that’s] extremely well made, waterproof, durable, eliminates tail wag, and does a… good job of working with a dropper post, you may just have found your seat pack of choice.

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91

Tested: Seatpacker 15 Arkel Saddle Bag [French]

The quality, stability, and waterproofing make the Arkel Seatpacker 15 saddle bag a most practical and useful product for carrying your personal equipment on multi-day trips off the beaten track in all weather conditions.

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80
Cykelportalen

Test: Arkel Seatpacker 15 [Danish]

The Arkel Seatpacker is a winner solely because of its consistent construction and the well-thought-out and easily assembled loose frame.

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The Path Less Pedaled

First Look: Arkel Seatpacker 15 – Bikepacking Seat Bag

… pay attention [to] how tight you clamp [the hanger] down. You don’t want it so tight that it’ll crush your saddle rails, but you don’t want it so loose that [it] might kind of wiggle off.

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Sir Bikes Alot

Arkel Seatpacker 15 – Bikepacking Seat Bag | Install & First Impressions

I didn’t have any issues with thigh rub, but I did notice the tiniest bit of tail sway. But overall, it was very stable.

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Josh White

I Finally Got My Own Bike Packing Bags… Arkel Bags

… this is great because it cuts down on bag wag…

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Bikepacking.com

Arkel Seatpacker Review: In the Scottish Highlands

Overall, Arkel’s Seatpacker is a solid seat pack that will work great for most bikepacking setups… it can be used with a dropper post and… it uses a rack system that eliminates vertical and lateral movement.

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Life In The Saddle

Review – Arkel Seatpacker 9 Bikepacking Seatpack

To conclude, Arkel seems to have done it again with the Seatpacker. They’ve taken the concept of a seatpack and then, much like I’ve seen them do with a handlebar bag, panniers, and trunk bag, they’ve improved upon the norm.

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Bikepacker

Arkel Seatpacker 9 Review

If you want a bag that will work with a dropper and that’s securely mounted, this may be the bag for you. It proved its worth over and over during the race.

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Ride Cycle Spin

Product Review: Arkel’s Seatpacker 15

Although not cheap… this bag still provides tremendous value. It overcomes some issues that other large seat bags have: tail-wag (i.e., sway) and [the] ability to be used with a dropper seat post…

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Perdons les pédales

My Bikepacking Setup 2023 | I Go From 115L to 69L Capacity! [French]

I love the design of this bag because there aren’t many companies that will provide a rigid support [hanger to keep it stable]…

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Review: Arkel «Seatpacker 9» [German]

The Arkel system is therefore very stable, possibly a few grams heavier than one without a mounting system.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 2 ratings
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Bike Bag Comparison

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